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Lawence County To Develop Water Conservation Plan

Last updated on Saturday, July 21, 2012

(BEDFORD) - Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer and representatives from utility directors will develop a water conservation plan for the county.
According to all of the county agencies Lawrence County has plenty of water.

"But forecasters are predicting this drought to go through the fall and if we have a dry winter, we could have problems next year, so this meeting is to discuss what we would need to do if things get bad," Luchauer told the utility managers. "I know some of you have a conservation plans, but we need a countywide one so there is less confusion and everyone is on the same page. It would be just too confusing."

The county-wide plan would establish priorities of how water was used and by whom, and if we had to ration. Luchauer will develop the plan, with the assistance of the agencies.

Customers can help, by using "common sense" to help conserve water.
"Things like if the kids take a bath, use that water to water your plants instead of letting it go down the drain," Luchauer said. "Only wash dishes once a day, simple things people can do to help."

The fact that Lawrence County has not issued water restrictions doesn't mean that the utilities aren't feeling the effects of the drought, dried up ponds have forced farmers to start using municipal water for their livestock, more people are watering lawns and gardens, Otis Park golf course watering their greens and BNL have been watering their athletic fields. And offices are receiving complaints.

Fire departments have also raised issues with the drought and how it would affect public safety. Luchauer said she has talked with local fire departments and their concerns about water pressure.

"They're concerned, but all the utilities assured us they can maintain pressure," she said.

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